Tyre Purchasers Prepared to Contribute Towards Disposal Cost

Auckland, 4 August 2014 – www.canstarblue.co.nzA new survey
shows that more than half of car tyre purchasers would be
prepared to pay a levy to assist in the environmentally
friendly disposal of tyres.

With almost four
million car tyres reaching the end of their lives every
year, safe and sustainable disposal of tyres affects all New
Zealanders, says Derek Bonnar, General Manager, Canstar New
Zealand.

“New Zealand has one of the highest rates of
car ownership per capita*** and lots of cars, translates to
even more tyres. It’s pleasing to note that car owners
appear to support paying a little extra to safely dispose of
tyres.”

The nationwide online Canstar Blue survey also
found that while a majority acknowledged that safety was
more important than price when it came to buying tyres,
nearly one in five would pay more for a great pair of shoes
or a high tech gadget than a great set of
tyres.

“Aucklanders, Gen Ys and Gen Xs were most willing
to spend more money on gadgets and shoes than tyres,” says
Bonnar, “and those from the Waikato and Bay of Plenty,
were less inclined.”

Nearly 60 per cent of tyre
purchasers did their research, and shopped around for the
best price. Around 45 per cent deferred to the expertise of
the sales representative and purchased whatever tyre was
recommended. Wellingtonians and men were least likely to
purchase based on tyre retailer staff recommendations in
contrast to women and those from the Bay of Plenty.

“A
large proportion of customers place reliance on tyre
retailers’ staff when buying tyres. Having a tyre that is
fit for purpose is an important safety factor.”

Nearly
all in the survey reported they were well prepared in the
case of a flat tyre with 95 per cent carrying a spare tyre
and the tools to change a tyre (if necessary).

Bonnar says that Firestone’s
customers rated the retailer top of its class for service
– both in-store and after sales – speed, and convenience
of location, and shared a five star score for quality and
value for money.

“Firestone received an almost perfect
score across the board. Where it stands out from other
brands is on its service and location scores. Not having to
go very far for tyres or having to wait very long for
fittings are important factors for busy customers.”

The
survey asked customers to rate their brand across a range of
measures:1. Value for money2. Range of tyre
brands3. Point of sale service4. After sales
service5. Speed of fitting tyres6. Quality of
tyres7. Convenience of location8. Overall
satisfaction

About the
surveyCanstar Blue commissions Your Source to
regularly survey 2,500 New Zealand consumers to measure
their satisfaction across a range of products and
services.

The outcomes reported here are from the 1,322
people within the survey group who purchased car tyres from
a car tyre retailer within the last three years. The online
survey has a margin of error of +/- 2.7%

Age
Groups:Gen Y: 18-29Gen X: 30-44Baby
Boomers: 45+

About Canstar
Blue:Canstar Blue is a division of financial
research and ratings company, CANSTAR, which has been operating in New
Zealand for nearly a decade.

Canstar Blue uses market
research to determine customer satisfaction ratings across a
range of products and services in New Zealand to help
consumers make the best purchasing decisions for their
needs. Canstar Blue conducts similar research in Australia.
New ratings are added regularly. Results are freely
available to consumers who are encouraged to use the ratings
as a guide to product excellence. The results can be seen at
www.canstarblue.co.nz.

About
CANSTAR:Founded in 1992, CANSTAR Pty Limited is
Australia and New Zealand's premier researcher of retail
finance information for over 350 institutions such as banks,
building societies, credit unions, finance companies,
brokers, mortgage originators, life companies and finance
related internet portals. CANSTAR customers use the
extensive database for competitor analysis as well as a
means of disseminating their product range. This information
is also distributed to print and electronic media for
publication and to agents, accountants, brokers and internet
portals for use in advising their
clients.

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